BANGLADESH is home to two species of Pangas fish: pangasius pangasius, which inhabits open water bodies such as rivers, floodplains and beels and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, a species predominantly cultured in closed water systems such as ponds and ghers. Over the years, Pangas — particularly Pangasianodon hypophthalmus — has emerged as the most significant pond-farmed species in the country’s aquaculture sector. According to the Department of Fisheries, total Pangas production in the 2022–2023 fiscal year exceeded 400,000 tonnes, of which an overwhelming 97 per cent came from Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. The principal production hubs include Mymensingh, Cumilla, Bogura, Jashore and Barishal.
The contribution of Pangas fish to food security and public health in Bangladesh is substantial. As an affordable and accessible source of animal protein, it plays a vital role in the diets of low-income households across rural and urban areas. Every 100 grams of Pangas fish offers approximately 90 to 95 kilocalories of energy, 15 to 17 grams of protein, 3.5 to 4 grams of fat and around 1 gram of Omega-3 fatty acids. It is easily digestible, low in bone content and suitable for all age groups, from children to the elderly. Its white, flaky flesh, firm texture and neutral flavour make it a desirable yet economical substitute for costlier fish varieties. At present, Pangas weighing around 2 kilograms sells for Tk 180 to 220 per kilo in Dhaka’s retail fish markets. Price fluctuations, however, depend on several factors including seasonal supply, consumer demand, quality and market intermediaries.
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, though now widely farmed in Bangladesh, is an indigenous species of Thailand. Its presence in the region has expanded to Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. The species was first introduced to Bangladesh in 1990 through the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Artificial breeding began in 1993 under the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, which pioneered the propagation, hatchery and culture techniques for this exotic species. Since then, these technologies have been adopted widely by farmers, hatchery operators and extension workers across the country.
The economic viability of Pangas farming lies in its consistent yield, rapid growth and high productivity. It has a short culture cycle, reaching marketable size in just 7 to 9 months. Its high feed conversion ratio means it requires less feed per unit of growth, making it more cost-efficient than many other farmed species. Because of its low market price, Pangas is consumed widely, especially by poorer sections of society. Furthermore, the production and marketing chain of Pangas involves a significant number of rural workers, many of whom are living below the poverty line, making the species central to both nutrition and livelihood security.
Vietnam remains the global leader in Pangas production and exports, contributing nearly half of the world’s output. In the past year alone, Vietnam’s Pangas exports reached approximately $2 billion — an increase of 9 per cent over the previous year — and accounted for around 20 per cent of the country’s total seafood export revenue. Pangas from Vietnam is exported to over 80 countries, including high-value markets in Europe, the United States and China. Currently, larger Vietnamese Pangas fish, weighing more than 1.2 kilograms, are selling at $1.29 per kilo, while smaller fish of around 1 kilograms are exported to the EU and US at $1.10 per kg. Notably, import prices in China have strengthened to $2.01 per kilograms, a 7 per cent rise from late 2023. The global market clearly demonstrates that Pangas is not merely a low-cost fish — it is a high-value commodity when processed and marketed appropriately.
Bangladesh, which now ranks second in global Pangas production, has yet to tap into this export potential fully. One of the main barriers is quality inconsistency — specifically, the yellowish discolouration frequently observed in Pangas fillets produced in Bangladesh. This discolouration is perceived as a marker of inferior quality by European consumers who prefer bright white fillets. Local scientists have identified several contributing factors: overcrowded stocking densities, poor water exchange, high levels of organic matter, the presence of carotenoid-rich cyanobacteria in pond water, artificial pigments in feed and substandard post-harvest handling. Moreover, the European Union enforces stringent food safety regulations, particularly concerning chemical residues in fish. Several consignments from Bangladesh have faced rejection due to the presence of antibiotic residues exceeding permissible limits.
These setbacks point to deeper structural issues in the aquaculture sector. While Bangladesh’s production volume is impressive, its processing infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to regional competitors such as India, which ranks third in production but leads in fillet processing and export readiness. With targeted investment in modern processing units, improved handling practices and strict adherence to international food safety standards, Bangladesh could compete more aggressively in global markets. The value proposition is compelling: in Leicester, England, 1 kilogram of Vietnamese Pangas fillet now retails at Tk 550 — a price that underscores the economic potential of export-quality fish products.
Beyond raw fillet exports, the opportunity to develop ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat Pangas-based products is immense. Consumer habits are changing rapidly, with growing demand for convenience foods among urban populations. Pangas lends itself well to a variety of value-added formats — skinless and boneless fillets, fish chunks, steaks, fish fingers, balls, crispy pickles such as Balachao and frozen or pre-cooked dishes. It can even be processed into fish powder, a high-protein supplement rich in lipids, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and Omega-3 fatty acids. These diversified products can cater not only to domestic consumers but also meet the requirements of international retail markets and institutional buyers.
To scale this opportunity, however, quality control and sustainable farming practices must be strengthened. Compliance with export standards, from antibiotic-free production to standardised post-harvest processing, is essential to gain and retain access to high-value markets. Training for farmers, investment in cold chain logistics and support for small-scale processors can help build an inclusive aquaculture economy. At the same time, there is scope for young entrepreneurs to enter the sector by leveraging digital platforms for direct sales, subscription models and farm-to-fork delivery systems.
With its robust production base, expanding processing infrastructure and a growing appetite for affordable, healthy and convenient fish products, Bangladesh is poised to become a significant player in the global seafood industry. The challenge now is to shift from volume to value — transforming Pangas from a subsistence food to a strategic export commodity. This transition will not only bolster foreign exchange earnings but also uplift rural livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national food security.
Ìý
Al-Shahriar is a research assistant at WorldFish Bangladesh.